NATION : Leonard Bernstein to Retire
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NEW YORK — Leonard Bernstein is retiring from conducting on the advice of his doctor, it was announced today.
Dr. Kevin M. Cahill advised Bernstein, 72, that conducting and playing the piano might be too strenuous for Bernstein’s present condition.
Cahill said Bernstein suffers from progressive emphysema, complicated by a lung tumor and a series of lung infections.
During the summer, Bernstein canceled several engagements, including conducting opening night of the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C., which was attributed to “a near brush with pneumonia.”
Bernstein hopes to participate in an Oct. 28 Carnegie Hall AIDS benefit given by classical musicians.
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